The Water’s Quite Fine In Maui, Photo Credit: Montage Hotels and Resorts LLC
Maui. Simply hear the word and visions of turquoise waters, stunning sunsets, fresh seafood and lazy days dance in your head. And it’s no wonder: the Hawaiian island is a magical place for a week (or two) of fun in the sun. Although there are many resorts on the peaceful island, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Montage Kapalua Bay is among the crème de la crème.
Here are five reasons that a stay at Montage Kapalua Bay will be one of your most memorable getaways.
Every room is a residence
The 50 rooms aren’t standard accommodations but suites. They come with elegant living areas, spacious bathrooms, state-of-the-art kitchens and an outdoor area complete with a dining table. There are different layouts, ranging from one- to four-bedroom suites, each offering a private master bathroom that is home to dual sinks, a standalone rainforest shower and a massive tub.
The interior design of these residential suites is warm and neutral with tropical accents like an appropriately placed pineapple and shell artwork. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you would need to make a tasty meal.
In fact, many people who fly into Kahului Airport make a pit stop at Costco to stock up on provisions like beer, wine, tortilla chips and the fixings for guacamole and poke before heading to the resort. Though the hotel can fetch anything for you, too.
What a Suite View, Photo Credit: Montage Hotels and Resorts LLC
The beautiful pools
Instead of a traditional space to splash around, Montage’s pool is multi-tiered, cascading down several levels and offering plenty of walkways, smaller pools and private areas. This unique setup allows you to choose your own pool adventure. Whether you want to read quietly in a shady corner or need to oversee a group of active children who prefer to make waves, you can do so here.
An adults-only section has day beds that float in the water and lounge-side bar service. Cabanas, which must be reserved, dot the edge of the larger lower pool, which is located next to the Hana Hou Bar.
At sunset, the poolside bar becomes a hub of activity with guests talking about their day between sips of mai tais and rosé. An expansive lawn — with a putting green and games like giant Jenga, checkers and corn hole — surrounds the pool deck.
Its proximity to the best beaches
The bright blue Pacific Ocean is a constant soothing backdrop to life at the Maui hotel. Snorkel in the pristine coral reefs of Kapalua Bay; learn to kayak, boogie or paddle board; or simply float in the refreshing waters.
A beachside path is nice for an early morning walk, and there is a sandy strip for swimming to the left and right of the resort. The Cliff House, a building that dates back to 1940, sits on a small ledge overlooking the water. If you have to plan any sort of event, this beachside hut is the ideal venue.
Spa Montage Kapalua Bay, Photo Credit: Montage Hotels and Resorts LLC
The wonderful spa
The Four-Star Spa Montage Kapalua Bay is an enveloping tropical oasis. With a juice bar, clothing and skincare boutique, fitness center, yoga studio, barbershop, full-service salon and 19 treatment rooms, the three-story spa offers a chance at revitalization at nearly every turn.
Both the women’s and men’s lounges have bamboo gardens, plunging pools, saunas, steam rooms and showers. On the rooftop of the facility is a quiet infinity pool with a gorgeous view.
There are nine indoor treatment rooms and 10 outdoor wooden huts for massage therapy in the open air. Treatments, which are inspired by the islands, feature local and aquatic ingredients — such as ginger, pikake, seaweed, algae and cacao — that are incorporated into the scrubs, polishes and facials.
Delicious food and drinks
There are two main restaurants at the luxury hotel: the Four-Star Cane and Canoe, an indoor/outdoor eatery that serves breakfast and dinner, and Hana Hou Bar, the poolside grill that turns out lunch.
Both venues provide plenty of options, from fresh-pressed juice to hearty local dishes like the loco moco — a breakfast preferred by the islanders that consists of a burger patty with brown gravy, white rice, mushrooms and a fried egg — and elegant seafood preparations such as ahi tuna with corn puree and papaya mustard.
Poolside, the grilled fish tacos with corn tortillas, citrus cabbage slaw and chipotle aioli are a must-order. The fish is cooked to flaky perfection.
Don’t feel like leaving your suite at mealtime? Room service offerings are among some of the most extensive we’ve seen. You can even order themed meals for large families and groups.
